Vintage 1910 Fairbanks Whyte Laydie No 2 Open Back Banjo Serial #23556

This exceptional 1910 A.C. Fairbanks Whyte Laydie No. 2 open-back banjo represents the pinnacle of golden-era American craftsmanship. Highly prized by vintage collectors and old-time musicians, this historic Boston-made instrument features the legendary scalloped Whyte Laydie tone ring, delivering the signature bright, punchy, and highly articulate acoustic voice that defined an era.

Build & Materials

• Neck & Rim: Premium maple
• Fingerboard: Ebony with delicate pearl star and diamond inlays
• Headstock: Exquisite hand-carved griffin inlay, a hallmark of elite Fairbanks artistry
• Tone Ring: Legendary scalloped Whyte Laydie tone ring

Size & Feel

• Rim Diameter: 10 ¾"
• Fast, comfortable playing experience

Sound Profile
The scalloped Whyte Laydie tone ring delivers a bright, punchy, and highly articulate acoustic voice — the signature sound that defined the golden era of American banjo making.

The Details

• Built by A.C. Fairbanks, Boston, 1910
• Serial number: 23552
• Retains its historic integrity and beautiful natural patina
• No visible repairs
• Includes case
• From the Marvin Rosenberg Collection

The Marvin Rosenberg Collection
This banjo comes from the collection of Marvin Rosenberg — patriarch, attorney, corporate counsel, competitive sports car racer, and lifelong lover of folk and Americana music. For decades, Marvin showed up to jam sessions and bluegrass venues with friends, and that same passion shaped his instrument collection. He sought out player-grade instruments — vintage pieces with real, honest wear from a life of actual use — over pristine collector-shelf pieces, assembling a personal collection of guitars, mandolins and banjos meant to be enjoyed rather than admired behind glass. Each piece was a tool of a passionate musician, chosen with the discerning eye of someone who understood exactly what made it special.

In stock now at Wood & Wire. A museum-quality Fairbanks, ready to be played!

*The information presented here was collected from the estate of Marvin Rosenberg and independent research. It is accurate to the best of our ability.